Accidentally deleted a precious photo on your iPhone running iOS 17? Don’t panic! There’s a good chance you can get it back. You just need to follow a few simple steps to recover it from the recently deleted folder or via iCloud backup. Let’s dive in!
You can also check out this video about how to recover deleted photos on iPhone for more information.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone
Before we jump into the steps, let’s take a moment to understand what we’re trying to achieve. The steps below will guide you through the process of recovering deleted photos, giving you a chance to get back those precious memories that you thought were lost forever.
Step 1: Check the Recently Deleted Album
Go to your Photos app and check the Recently Deleted album.
When you delete a photo on your iPhone, it doesn’t disappear immediately. Instead, it goes to the Recently Deleted album where it stays for up to 30 days before being permanently erased. So, the first place to check for your deleted photo is this album.
Step 2: Restore the Photo
Select the photo you want to recover and tap “Recover”.
If you find your photo in the Recently Deleted album, you can easily restore it. Just select the photo, and you’ll see the option to “Recover” it. Tap on that, and the photo will be moved back to your main photo library.
Step 3: Check iCloud Backup
If the photo isn’t in the Recently Deleted album, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos to check if you have iCloud Photos enabled.
This step is for those who couldn’t find their photo in the Recently Deleted album. If you have iCloud Photos turned on, your photos may be backed up to iCloud. Go into your settings to check if this feature is enabled.
Step 4: Restore from iCloud Backup
If iCloud Photos is enabled, go to iCloud.com, log in with your Apple ID, and check the Photos section.
If iCloud Photos is on, your deleted photos might still be on iCloud.com. Log in with your Apple ID and check the Photos section. If you find your photo there, you can download it to your device.
Step 5: Contact Apple Support
If all else fails, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
In the unlikely event that you’ve followed all the steps and still can’t find your photo, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support. They can provide additional help and potentially recover your photo through other means.
After completing these actions, you should have successfully recovered your deleted photo. If the photo was important, remember to back it up in another location to avoid future scares.
Tips on How to Recover Deleted Photos from iPhone
- Always check the Recently Deleted album first—it’s the quickest and easiest way to recover deleted photos.
- Keep iCloud Photos enabled; it’s an easy way to ensure your photos are backed up automatically.
- If you regularly backup your iPhone to your computer, check there for your deleted photo.
- Don’t wait too long to recover a photo from the Recently Deleted album; after 30 days, it will be gone for good.
- Consider using third-party software for photo recovery, but make sure to use reliable and trusted applications to avoid data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover photos deleted a long time ago?
If it’s been more than 30 days since you deleted the photo and you don’t have a backup, it may not be possible to recover it.
What if I don’t have iCloud Photos enabled?
If you don’t have iCloud Photos enabled, check if you have a backup on iTunes or Finder (for macOS Catalina or later), where your photo may be stored.
Can I recover a photo that’s not in the Recently Deleted album?
If it’s not in the Recently Deleted album and you don’t have a backup, the photo may be permanently lost.
Will third-party recovery tools work if all else fails?
Some third-party tools can recover deleted photos, but there is no guarantee. Always use reputable software and be aware that there is a risk involved.
Can I prevent accidentally deleting important photos in the future?
To prevent accidental deletions, regularly back up your photos and consider using the “Favorite” feature in the Photos app to mark important photos.
Summary
- Check the Recently Deleted album.
- Restore the photo from the Recently Deleted album.
- Check if iCloud Photos is enabled.
- Restore from iCloud backup if available.
- Contact Apple Support if necessary.
Conclusion
Losing a photo can feel like losing a piece of a memory, but with iOS 17, recovering deleted photos from your iPhone is simpler than ever. Whether it’s in the Recently Deleted album or backed up on iCloud, there’s a good chance you can get your photo back. Just remember to act quickly, especially if you’re relying on the Recently Deleted album, as photos are only stored there for 30 days.
And, for peace of mind, make a habit of regularly backing up your phone to avoid the panic of potentially losing your precious photos forever. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t recover your photos, remember, Apple Support is always there to lend a hand. Happy snapping, and may your photo library stay intact!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.